The National Workforce Development Agency’s Training and Development Unit launched its National Internship Programme earlier this year as they partnered with on island active investment fund manager, Prosperity Capital Management Ltd. Managing circa USD3.1billion and with its head office in Camana Bay, this firm offered an unparalleled opportunity for a young Caymanian to work and gain hands-on experience with a dynamic fund manager. Applicants who were studying finance and accounting at a local college/university were invited to apply for this classic internship opportunity with this finance group. The successful candidate for this first internship opportunity was Chaquira Hodgson who is studying Accounting at the University College of the Cayman Islands.

“Prosperity is very pleased to work with the National Workforce Development Agency by providing a placement for intern Chaquira Hodgson under their National Internship Programme. This programme is a great opportunity for young Caymanians to gain very meaningful hands-on experience in the workplace. We have been very impressed with the outcome thus far and look forward to the continued success of the programme,” stated Administrator Tanya Chin Yee.

Ms. Hodgson began her internship in May 2014 and has been receiving hands on training and development, actively contributing to the creation of the finance group’s deliverables as well as learning various practical aspects of day-to-day financial activities, gaining valuable knowledge and experience of accounting as well as some specifics of the funds industry. With clearly defined learning objectives that captured various areas such as finance aspects, administrative matters, academics linkages and workplace skills, coupled with daily hands-on experience this ideally positions the intern for a successful future in a challenging finance role.

Ms. Hodgson comments on her internship saying, “I decided to do an internship because I felt that it could help build up my career profile and allow me to get to know people in the business world. I felt that this internship opportunity would benefit me when seeking employment as I would have both gained hands on experience, new skills and made valuable connections. I have enjoyed my experience so far. The environment at Prosperity Capital Management (PCM) is subtle and the staff are very supportive and friendly, I feel like I have purpose because there is always something for me to participate in and learn. PCM is a very enjoyable place to have the pleasure of working and I hope others take advantage of opportunities such as this.”

Manager of Training and Development at the NWDA with oversight for the Internship Programme, Ms. Dianne Conolly explained how the National Internship Programme works. She said, “This is a public, private and academic partnership committed to strengthening and fostering relationships between young, innovative talent and local businesses through the vehicle of internships that will assist in future job opportunities. These internships provide interns with a meaningful experience that enhances their employability and skills integrating knowledge and theory learned with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.”

Minister with responsibility for Employment, Hon. Tara Rivers, was extremely pleased that the first intern had been successfully placed through the National Internship Programme. She said, “I would like to thank Prosperity Capital Management Ltd for partnering with the NWDA by providing a placement for a promising young Caymanian through the National Internship Programme. Gaining relevant practical experience to complement academic, vocational or technical study helps students to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of various career options. It is important that we expose our students to as many of these opportunities as possible so that they are better prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of their studies. I congratulate Ms. Hodgson on her success thus far in her internship, and I look forward to hearing of future successes and further development of the National Internship Programme through the participation of more and more local companies.”

The National Internship Programme is a Cayman Islands Ministry of Education, Employment & Gender Affairs and National Workforce Development Agency initiative to provide opportunities for participants to gain practical experience and develop their skills and interests in various occupations.

For more information on the National Internship Programme please email [email protected] or call 345-945-3114.

Photo and caption:

Left to right: NWDA’s Manager of Training and Development Ms. Dianne Conolly, Ministry of Education’s Deputy Chief Officer Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia, Prosperity Capital Management Ltd’s Administrator Ms. Tanya Chin Yee, Intern Ms. Chaquira Hodgson, Prosperity Capital Management Ltd’s Deputy Finance Manager Ms. Doreth Eugene and Finance Director Mr. Richard Hastings.